The Results of Willing Obedience!
Scripture Reading: Matthew 7:21-29
1 John 2:3
-
Jesus once said,
Luke 6:46.
A Poignant question!
A familiar complaint of those who despise Christian teaching is that
"Christians" don't act like Christians!
It is a sad commentary on the condition of the Lord's family when the
ungodly are more aware of the expected behavior of God's people than the
Christians are.
Of course, the issue is not unique to the New Testament times. Israel's
historical saga is replete with seasons of rebellion and repentance—so much
so that the psalmist prayed:
The emphasis by John in his first epistle, however, is not on the reasons
for willful disobedience, but on the results of willing obedience.
-
Walking in the "light"
ensures fellowship (1
John 1:7).
-
-
Constant and willing obedience produces an effective prayer life (1
John 3:22).
-
-
A lifestyle of obedience brings an awareness of the Holy Spirit's work (1
John 3:24).
-
-
Loving God produces obedience, which in turn brings joy in that
obedience (1
John 5:3).
-
Our deeds
show
whom we serve (1
John 3:7).
Our righteous deeds
prove
whom we serve (Matthew
7:16-20).